News

AT HOUSE OF LORDS FOR CLUBHOUSE PUSH

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8 February 2010

Emma Alies
news@southwarknews.org

Young sportsmen and women from local teams that train in Burgess Park gathered together at the House of Lords on Monday evening, to appeal for help to turn plans for a new clubhouse into a reality.

The sports clubs currently use the limited changing room facilities in the park, but say that the new £2m design would create a vibrant place for all teams to share, and a much-needed centre for the local community.

Seventeen-year-old Tolu Ige, who plays flanker and wing for the Southwark Tigers rugby team, said:
"When we visit other clubs, we see their clubhouses where players can have hot food, showers and spend time together after the game. It would be great morale for our kids if they could have a space of their own too."

Those present to hear the young players' pleas included local MPs Simon Hughes and Harriet Harman, Brian Dickens MBE Director of Sports Action Zone for Lambeth and Southwark, and London Irish rugby player Topsy Ojo.

Southwark Tigers manager Vernon Neve-Dunn, the man behind the idea, said: "The dream is a clubhouse that can be shared by young people from the rugby, cricket, athletics, tennis, football, cheerleading and BMX teams, including several youngsters who are Olympic hopefuls."

The evening was hosted by Lib Dem peer and spokesman for Culture, Media and Sport, Lord Tim Clement-Jones, and attended by local MP, Simon Hughes.

Lord Clement-Jones said: "There is so much sporting talent in Southwark, and I'm sure that in the future we'll be seeing someone in an England shirt who started out in Burgess Park."

The clubhouse has been designed by local architects Wharmby Kozdon, who were also involved in London Zoo developments. The plans feature an outside gym and an eco-friendly turfed roof, which also acts as a viewing platform for spectators.

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